Reading the Chunksters discussion

Thoughts on this section??

Things seem to be heating up, in more ways than one. If in the previous chapter, everything seemed to be going in Rennies factions way, then now the tables are beginning to turn on them.

It's very frightening to read about how much a doctor's absence can effect a whole community and how they have to struggle with only Rusty, Twitch and Ginny keeping the place going. The stress they must be under is tremendous.

I've always loved King's way of making a whole town feel alive and all the different characters come to life. I have to say that I was a little confused in the beginning of this book and that the characters are only just now becoming more real to me. So I'm eagerly looking forward to what could happen next.

Yes, it seems a lot happened in this section that is setting up more conflict - Piper finding out the names of the people involved in Sammy's rape (and it seems Piper has some inner rage that I expect to explode as some point), Junior stealing Barbie's dog tags for framing him in the murders, Barbie and Rusty finding the clearly stolen hospital propane tanks, and the ongoing inexplicable seizures in the children. After almost 400 pages, the pressure is continuing to rise.

I really like Piper. She is wonderfully eclectic and deeply tragic (she is a preaching agnostic - what a conflict, she teaches about love and help and is mainly about love and help, but inside she might be full of godly, upright ire against the heinous crew). She is is woman in a man's profession. I really like her as a character. In the beginning, her presence was vague, but hopefully as a character she will gain a momentum.

As you have already mentioned, the city really comes alive in the novel - different voices, different lifestyles, different hopes and frustrations. Some need a compass, and some give the sense of direction ... and children, the omniscient, prophetic children. Stephen King has always enjoyed portraying them in his novels!

Poor Sammy! She is not doing so well - I hope that Piper gets some justice for her, though I anticipate it being difficult in the current situation. I am glad she had the presence of mind to try and get help for herself and Little Walter, but boy they made it difficult for her :/ Good thing Piper came by when she did.

I think Barbie and Mr. Everett will make a good team. They both have good heads on their shoulders. Hopefully Junior's plan to frame Barbie for murder(s) doesn't throw too big a wrench in the plans. I am sure it will cause some trouble, though.

Finally, the kids! Creepy. Obviously dome related, though I'm at a loss as to how and why, so far.

I agree it was quite interesting to get the learn more about Piper in this chapter, and see more of her character, particularly in regards to her inner rage. It will be quite interesting to see how that ends up playing out within the book. I do hope she is able to make Junior and his crew get what they deserve.

I also think that Rusty and Barbie could make a good team together.

There was a lot of build up and suspense within these chapters and we can see how both sides might be strengthening and really preparing for what will inevitably lead to an ultimate showdown.

It will be curious to see what role the out of towners Carol, Thurston, and the two kids end up playing within the story as a whole, as they were made an important part of this chapter, and now Alice's brother had one of the strange seizures. And they are also unknowingly becoming immersed in camp Barbie.

Another interesting thing is the councilwoman (I cannot recall her name right now) wanting to get over her drug addiction so Jim Rennie won't be able to manipulate her with the drugs. She could be a valuable player on Barbe's side if she cleans up.

Silver, yes, that councilwoman. I forgot about her when I was writing my last comment. And the newspaperwoman was asleep on her couch not far away from the envelope that incriminates Big Jim for the meth stuff. Can't wait for those two ladies to wake up and find that envelope and see what they make of it :)

It was clear that Rusty and Barbie would be on one time, but it was still very uplifting to watch them form a team.